For the last mile connectivity, CMRL to operate air-conditioned vans
Posted on: 05/Jul/2018 9:35:44 AM
The news that CMRL or Chennai Metro Rail Limited would be operating air-conditioned vans from the stations to provide last mile connectivity has been the subject for discussion for many now. The commuters coming out of metro stations need not wait for the MTC buses or autos to reach their destinations.
Tenders have been floated in this regard to identify an operator who could own the vans plus operate and maintain them. To cater to employees working in the IT companies, CMRL has planned to operate as many as four 14-seater vans from Alandur metro station to DLF Porur.
An official expressed his thoughts and spoke about how Alandur metro station was chosen as there were many requests from IT employees working in and around Porur. These employees were not able to use the services of metro due to the lack of last mile connectivity to their offices. The routes of these vans would also be fixed soon. A van would be available for every 15 minutes at the Alandur metro station and it is well known that this metro is elevated transit hub that connects the 2 corridors of Phase 1. The official later spoke about the cost or charge for the van service and said it would be Rs 20 and it is not yet fixed. The service would be extended depending on the response at the Alandur metro.
One major issue which CMRL hasn’t addressed till now is this last mile connectivity. Connecting localities inside 500m radius around all its stations was promised by CMRL earlier. It must be noted that in the last few months at nine stations bi-cycle rental was introduced. In as many as 16 stations, motorcycle rentals plus small buses, tie-ups with can aggregators etc were carried out for the sake of commuters. The services were not adequate by the commuters.
